Prof. Dan Tong | Climate Change | Best Researcher Award
Professor Dan Tong at Tsinghua University, China
Dan Tong is an Associate Professor in the Department of Earth System Science at Tsinghua University, specializing in coupled human-environment system analysis. His research focuses on global anthropogenic emission inventories, the interplay between energy systems, air pollution, and climate change. Notable achievements include being named one of MIT’s 35 Innovators Under 35 in 2019 and receiving the Damo “Qingcheng” Award in 2022. With over 80 SCI papers published, including articles in high-impact journals like Nature and PNAS, his work has garnered significant attention, reflected in an H-index of 43 and over 11,000 citations. Dan’s collaborative approach, including partnerships with leading researchers, enhances the credibility of his findings. He actively engages in disseminating knowledge through international conferences, contributing to critical discussions on environmental issues. Overall, Dan Tong’s innovative research and dedication position him as a leading figure in the field of earth system science.
PROFILE
EDUCATION
Dan Tong holds an impressive educational background that underpins his expertise in earth system science. He earned his PhD from Tsinghua University, where his research focused on critical aspects of environmental science, equipping him with the analytical skills necessary for tackling complex environmental challenges. Prior to his doctoral studies, he completed his Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering from Tsinghua University, where he developed a solid foundation in the technical and scientific principles governing environmental systems. Additionally, he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, which introduced him to the intricacies of human-environment interactions. This comprehensive education, characterized by rigorous academic training and research experience, has enabled Dan to emerge as a leading researcher in his field, contributing significantly to our understanding of coupled human-environment systems and their implications for climate change and pollution management. His academic journey reflects a strong commitment to advancing knowledge in environmental sciences.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Dan Tong has an impressive professional trajectory marked by significant contributions to earth system science. Currently serving as an Associate Professor at Tsinghua University, he transitioned from an Assistant Professor in the same department, reflecting his rapid ascent within academia. His earlier experience includes a pivotal postdoctoral role at the University of California, Irvine, where he collaborated with renowned researcher Steven J. Davis, further honing his expertise in coupled human-environment systems. Throughout his career, Dan has actively engaged in research that addresses critical issues such as anthropogenic emissions, climate change, and air pollution. His work has resulted in over 80 published papers, including articles in prestigious journals like Nature and PNAS. Additionally, Dan has been recognized with several prestigious awards, underscoring his influence and leadership in the field. His dedication to advancing scientific understanding and policy relevance in environmental issues positions him as a prominent figure in earth system research.
RESEARCH INTEREST
Dan Tong’s research interests lie at the intersection of human and environmental systems, focusing on the complex interactions between energy systems, air pollution, and climate change. He is particularly concerned with developing comprehensive global anthropogenic emission inventories, which are crucial for understanding and mitigating the impacts of human activities on the environment. His work examines how socio-economic inertia and “lock-in” phenomena contribute to persistent environmental and climate issues, emphasizing the need for transformative approaches to sustainability. Additionally, Tong explores the potential synergies between climate and environmental problems, particularly in the context of renewable energy resources like solar and wind under changing climatic conditions. His innovative research not only advances academic understanding but also aims to inform policy decisions, providing critical insights for creating effective strategies to combat climate change and promote sustainable development globally. Through his work, Tong seeks to contribute to a more integrated approach to addressing environmental challenges.
RESEARCH SKILLS On Climate Change
Dan Tong possesses a robust set of research skills that significantly contribute to his expertise in coupled human-environment systems analysis. His proficiency in developing global anthropogenic emission inventories demonstrates his strong analytical abilities, allowing him to quantify and assess emissions in relation to climate change and energy systems. Dan’s work on the complex interactions of air pollution, energy systems, and climate change highlights his capacity to synthesize interdisciplinary knowledge, integrating environmental science with socio-economic factors. Additionally, his experience as a postdoctoral researcher has honed his collaborative skills, enabling him to work effectively with diverse teams across international institutions. Dan’s impressive publication record, featuring over 80 peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals, showcases his ability to conduct rigorous scientific research and communicate findings effectively. His engagement in academic conferences further reflects his commitment to knowledge dissemination and staying abreast of emerging trends in his field.

Dan Tong has received numerous prestigious awards and recognitions for his outstanding contributions to the field of Earth System Science. Notably, he was named one of MIT’s 35 Innovators Under 35 in December 2019, distinguishing him as a leading young scholar in China. In November 2022, he received the Damo “Qingcheng” Award, recognizing his exceptional achievements in geoscience. His status as a Clarivate Highly Cited Scholar from 2021 to 2023 further highlights the impact of his research, with many of his publications being recognized as ESI Highly Cited Papers. Additionally, he received the Second Prize for Excellent Doctoral Dissertations from Tsinghua University in June 2018 and the First Prize of the Qianyi Environmental Award in December 2017. These accolades underscore his significant influence in addressing critical environmental issues and contribute to his reputation as a prominent researcher in coupled human-environment systems.
In conclusion, Dan Tong exemplifies the qualities of a leading researcher deserving of the Best Researcher Award. His innovative contributions to the analysis of coupled human-environment systems significantly enhance our understanding of the complex interactions between energy systems, air pollution, and climate change. With over 80 high-impact publications and notable accolades such as being named a Clarivate highly cited scholar, Dan’s work has garnered widespread recognition within the scientific community. His active participation in international conferences and collaborations with esteemed researchers further underscores his commitment to advancing knowledge in his field. While opportunities for improvement exist, such as expanding interdisciplinary collaborations and enhancing public engagement, Dan’s potential for impactful contributions remains immense. His dedication to addressing pressing environmental challenges positions him as a pivotal figure in the realm of earth system science, making him a worthy candidate for this prestigious award.

- Historical air pollutant emissions and future sustainable pathways of global cement plants
- Authors: Yan, X., Tong, D., Cao, Z., He, K., Zhang, Q.
- Year: 2024
- Citations: 0
- Climate change impacts on the extreme power shortage events of wind-solar supply systems worldwide during 1980–2022
- Authors: Zheng, D., Tong, D., Davis, S.J., Che, H., Zhang, Q.
- Year: 2024
- Citations: 1
- Cost-effectiveness uncertainty may bias the decision of coal power transitions in China
- Authors: Yan, X., Tong, D., Zheng, Y., Zhang, Q., Lei, Y.
- Year: 2024
- Citations: 4
- Optimizing air quality and health Co-benefits of mitigation technologies in China: An integrated assessment
- Authors: Zhao, M., Xie, Y., Xu, M., Zhang, Y., Tong, D.
- Year: 2024
- Citations: 1
- Efficacy of China’s clean air actions to tackle PM2.5 pollution between 2013 and 2020
- Authors: Geng, G., Liu, Y., Liu, Y., He, K., Zhang, Q.
- Year: 2024
- Citations: 0
- Publisher Correction: Amplified positive effects on air quality, health, and renewable energy under China’s carbon neutral target
- Authors: Qin, Y., Zhou, M., Hao, Y., Ding, A., Zhu, T.
- Year: 2024
- Citations: 0
- Unequal household carbon emissions and potential determinants in China: Evidence from nationwide household surveys
- Authors: Yue, J., Lu, F., Weng, Z., Chen, S., Ma, H.
- Year: 2024
- Citations: 1
- Amplified positive effects on air quality, health, and renewable energy under China’s carbon neutral target
- Authors: Qin, Y., Zhou, M., Hao, Y., Ding, A., Zhu, T.
- Year: 2024
- Citations: 5
- The 2022 report of synergetic roadmap on carbon neutrality and clean air for China: Accelerating transition in key sectors
- Authors: Lei, Y., Yin, Z., Lu, X., Wang, J., He, K.
- Year: 2024
- Citations: 14
- China’s carbon-neutral policies will reduce short-term PM2.5-associated excess incidence of cardiovascular diseases
- Authors: Ban, J., Cheng, J., Zhang, C., Hao, J., Li, T.
- Year: 2024
- Citations: 0